Simple Green Solutions

Do more for the environment with these simple solutions. Find out what you can be doing inside your home to go green, and check out these advanced green tips for more ways to live green

Pump up tires

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than a quarter of all cars and nearly one-third of all SUVs, vans, and trucks have underinflated tires. Keeping your wheels properly pumped can increase your car's fuel economy by about 3 percent, so check your tires about once a month, making sure the pressure (in PSI) on the tire gauge matches the number recommended on the tire and the sticker on the driver's-side door panel.

Recycle rain

When the forecast calls for showers, place buckets under your gutters. Use this collected (and free) water to wash your car or hydrate houseplants and outdoor flowers.

Line-dry the wash

Hanging clothes may be a lot of work, but the chore can pay off. If you run your dryer half as often each week, you can save an average of $32 a year  and tone your arms at the same time. To steer clear of stiffness, GHRI's Carolyn Forte recommends shaking clothes out and hanging them on a windy day.

Build a sustainable garden

Americans use an average of 200 gallons of water per day on their lawns. Cut back by replacing a section of grass with native or drought-resistant plants that require less water, recommends the American Society of Landscape Architects. Also consider constructing a rain garden  a garden at the low point of your yard that utilizes natural showers and reduces polluted runoff. Learn how to construct one at raingardens.org.

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